The number 177 is classified as a composite number, meaning it has divisors other than 1 and itself. Specifically, it can be factored into 3 and 59, as 3 × 59 = 177. This indicates that 177 is not a prime number, which is defined as a number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. In the context of mathematics, prime numbers play a crucial role in number theory and have applications in various fields, including cryptography. The nearest prime numbers to 177 are 173 and 179, which are both only a few units away from 177.